Last week I had the priveldge of visiting the Japan team. I was invited to present at the Japan Inventor User Group meeting and to attend the DMS trade show, both happening in Tokyo.
The User group meeting was Thursday, June 22nd. Beginning in the early evening the user group meeting began with a through review by the board of the group's status since its inception this time last year. Progress on local user group resources was given. This included an update on a dedicated Japanese discussion form for user group members to connect.
Key members of Autodesk Japan kicked off the event and thanked everyone for joining. Here Tetsuya Shiga, Vice President, Autodesk Japan, starts the event.
The board, made up of 8 users from local Tokyo companies, outlined the group's next initiatives. These included:
Get more users from each company to attend. Today most companies only send one user and they are expected to return from meetings and share what they learn with their peers. The user group board would like to get multiple, if not all users, from the company to attend and connect thereby increasing the speed and quality of information shared within the community.
Increase awareness about the user group and Increase awareness about Inventor
Collect thoughts on how Inventor could be a better product for the Japanese market and prioritize these. The board would then work with Autodesk to champion these improvements.
I presented an hour of tips and tricks or best practices to the audience of about 60.
* Part Modeling and sketching
* Assembly modeling
* Drawing production
After this session there was a break and group photo.
Following the break the user group meeting opened up to non-members, prospective members, and prospective Inventor customer who were just curious.
Several presentations were given talking about the Autodesk Community in Japan and I was able to show a 45 minute presentation and demonstration of Autodesk Inventor 11.
This was a fun event and had 100+ attendees!
We then made for the ballroom next door where food and drinks were available. If you have never been to an after business "Cocktail hour" in Japan, let me tell you that this is where most of the action happens! I had the opportunity to answer many enthusiastic questions.
These are not glasses of iced-tea! That is a whole lot of Whisky.
A raffle was then held to give out gifts to user group members. The evening ended with a private meeting with the board to discuss future events and support. I was very impressed with the organized and professional nature of the group. The users were engaged, excited an interested in sharing information. All of this makes for what I hope will continue as a strong vibrant user group.
The next day I attended the DMS show. This, large manufacturing trade show highlights technology from around the world.
Jump to the Japan Team's site to read more about DMS (in Japanese)
I saw rapidprotyping machine creating full body panes in multiple colors, Machining centers and virtually displays!
Autodesk was on had with a large booth covering our complete manufacturing solution.
Autodesk AliasStudio, Autodesk, Intent, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Productstream, and DWF were all featured on kiosks and the main stage. Check out the crowd!
It was a great show and I enjoyed seeing the Autodesk Japan team and meeting with many, many many trade show attendees!
I wrapped up my trip with a fun walk around the city and the Emperial Palace. I look forward to my next trip back. I just hop it will be a little less humid!
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